Balkan country Montenegro goes to polls for 81-seats. Religious law is the dominant theme of elections, law asks communities to prove property ownership. President Djukanovic's political future is at stake.

Balkan country Montenegro goes to polls, neither side tipped to win majority

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has unveiled a pig that has had a coin-sized computer implant in its brain for two months, calling it an early step toward the goal of curing human diseases with the technology.

Elon Musk shows pig, blend of human & artificial intelligence

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on the 68th edition of the monthly radio broadcast Mann ki Baat. PM Modi renewed his pitch for making India a self-reliant nation and reiterated the need for ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat'. PM Modi also talked about the Coronavirus pandemic & upcoming festival of India, Onam.

PM Modi gives another push to 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' with 'Team up for Toys' slogan

Due to the spread of COVID-19 Iran commemorated Ashura with social distancing measures. Pilgrims on Iraq mourned with masks & gloves. The month of Muharram marks a period of intense grief as a mark of mourning the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain, also known to many as the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Muharram 2020: Pilgrims mark Ashura in Iraq's Kerbala with masks & gloves

An official delegation from the Czech Republic, headed by Senate President Milos Vystrcil reached Taiwan on a six-day visit despite warning from China. This visit complicated the Czech's relations with China.

Czech senate's visit to Taiwan angers China

London Zoo has began an animal weigh-in with keepers keen to find out the impact of lockdown due to COVID-19. The two centuries old ZSL London zoo houses 19,000 animals, and due to the lockdown which was put in place across Britain, Zoo’s finances are not in good health.

Animal's vital statistics are being taken at London Zoo

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Lebanon is on the risk of civil war if not helped in the crisis. Macron has asked global community to help Lebanon. French Prez has pushed to establish a news government in the country.

Emmanuel Macron says Lebanon on the risk of Civil War if not helped in crisis

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to go back to work if they can. UK government said that it is now safe to return to work. Govt. asked people to help the economy recovery.

UK: Johnson urges people to return to work to help the economy recover

The Premier League is just around the corner when the FA Community Shield rolls around. On the very first day, Arsenal take on Liverpool at Wembley Stadium for the trophy two weeks ahead of the Premier League's return.

Liverpool vs Arsenal in community shield on the very first day

The Border Security Force (BSF) has detected a tunnel just beneath the India-Pakistan International Border fence in Jammu. The tunnel has a depth of about 25 feet at the opening.

Tunnel covered with sandbags found near border fence in Jammu

Due to coronavirus, 1,021 deaths have been resorded in 24 hours across India. Country's fatality rate dropped to 1.82% whereas recovery rate stands at over 76.28%.

India: 76,472 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Over the last year, 277 major attacks against aid workers took place, a new research has found.

Humanitarian Outcomes, an independent humanitarian research organisation on Monday claimed that a major spike was witnessed in violent attacks against aid workers.

Killed, abducted, or wounded

At least 483 workers were killed, abducted, or wounded in 2019, marking the highest number since 1997, when the organisation started recording numbers.

"The ability to help vulnerable civilians in their hour of greatest need is a sign of civilisation; it's a right under international law," Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said while responding to the numbers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/four-environmental-activists-were-killed-every-week-in-2019-across-the-globe-316602" hreflang="en">Four environmental activists were killed every week in 2019 across the globe</a>

"But we are seeing an increasing number of colleagues killed, abducted, wounded ... If aid workers are not protected, lifelines will falter”, Egeland added.

The total number of casualties spiked, but the number of workers killed dropped from 131 in 2018 to 125 in 2019.

The organisation gathers data from public reports, aid groups, and security organisations.

Health workers at risk

A whopping 40 per cent of the fatalities were among health workers, which is the highest percentage ever recorded, as per the “Aid Worker Security Report” due to be released later this month.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/poland-warsaw-witnesses-pro-and-anti-lgbt-supporters-face-off-321156" hreflang="en">Poland: Warsaw witnesses pro and anti-LGBT supporters face off</a>&nbsp;

Syria has been named the most violent country for aid workers, with 47 attacks recorded last year. At least 36 aid workers were killed in the war-torn country.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also recorded an increase in the number of attacks on humanitarian workers. Over 50 per cent of the 27 violent attacks were against health workers, partly in response to the Ebola outbreak, asserted Humanitarian Outcomes.

Most violence against aid workers was committed by armed groups, with attacks potentially crippling the access to resources for those who need it.

Over the last year, 277 major attacks against aid workers took place, a new research has found. Humanitarian Outcomes, an independent humanitarian research organisation on Monday claimed that a major spike was witnessed in violent attacks against aid workers.

Over the last year, 277 major attacks against aid workers took place, a new research has found. Humanitarian Outcomes, an independent humanitarian research organisation on Monday claimed that a major spike was witnessed in violent attacks against aid workers. Killed, abducted, or wounded At least 483 workers were killed, abducted, or wounded in 2019, marking the highest number since 1997, when the organisation started recording numbers. "The ability to help vulnerable civilians in their hour of greatest need is a sign of civilisation; it's a right under international law," Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said while responding to the numbers. Also read: Four environmental activists were killed every week in 2019 across the globe "But we are seeing an increasing number of colleagues killed, abducted, wounded ... If aid workers are not protected, lifelines will falter”, Egeland added. The total number of casualties spiked, but the number of workers killed dropped from 131 in 2018 to 125 in 2019. The organisation gathers data from public reports, aid groups, and security organisations. Health workers at risk A whopping 40 per cent of the fatalities were among health workers, which is the highest percentage ever recorded, as per the “Aid Worker Security Report” due to be released later this month. Also see: Poland: Warsaw witnesses pro and anti-LGBT supporters face off Syria has been named the most violent country for aid workers, with 47 attacks recorded last year. At least 36 aid workers were killed in the war-torn country. The Democratic Republic of Congo also recorded an increase in the number of attacks on humanitarian workers. Over 50 per cent of the 27 violent attacks were against health workers, partly in response to the Ebola outbreak, asserted Humanitarian Outcomes. Most violence against aid workers was committed by armed groups, with attacks potentially crippling the access to resources for those who need it.

A record number of aid workers were murdered in 2019 across the globe

China has allocated a 330 million yuan ($47 million) disaster relief fund to help farmers and agricultural production in southern provinces, as large parts of the country suffer the worst flooding in decades.

The fund is aimed at helping farmers resume production after the disaster and repairing damaged agricultural facilities, as well as reducing the loss of farm income, the ministry of agriculture and rural affairs said in a statement late Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-virus-china-faces-worst-floods-in-30-years-314960" hreflang="en">After virus, China faces worst floods in 30 years</a>

It will be distributed in provinces including Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi and Sichuan.

Many parts of China have been grappling with severe floods this month amid some of the heaviest rainfall on record.&nbsp;

The disaster has led to a resurgence of African swine fever in some areas, hurting pork production, and also disrupted supply chains, including for personal protective equipment amid the coronavirus outbreak.

China has allocated a 330 million yuan ($47 million) disaster relief fund to help farmers and agricultural production in southern provinces, as large parts of the country suffer the worst flooding in decades.

China has allocated a 330 million yuan ($47 million) disaster relief fund to help farmers and agricultural production in southern provinces, as large parts of the country suffer the worst flooding in decades. The fund is aimed at helping farmers resume production after the disaster and repairing damaged agricultural facilities, as well as reducing the loss of farm income, the ministry of agriculture and rural affairs said in a statement late Monday. Also read: After virus, China faces worst floods in 30 years It will be distributed in provinces including Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi and Sichuan. Many parts of China have been grappling with severe floods this month amid some of the heaviest rainfall on record. The disaster has led to a resurgence of African swine fever in some areas, hurting pork production, and also disrupted supply chains, including for personal protective equipment amid the coronavirus outbreak.

China allocates flood relief fund to farmers, agriculture production

Could air pollution be contributing to a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections? This analysis claims there is “compelling” evidence.

The study, which took into account over 20 factors ascertained how air pollution in one particular area causes more infections, and also more admissions and deaths in hospitals.

Major spike!

Any long-term exposure to polluted air can trigger over a 10 per cent spike in infections, and over 15 per cent increase in the number of COVID-related deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/surge-in-deaths-due-to-hiv-tuberculosis-and-malaria-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-study-313145" hreflang="en">Surge in deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria amid coronavirus pandemic: Study</a>

Co-morbidities have a major role to play in the fatality of most coronavirus cases. The researchers took into account factors like age, obesity, household size, population density, occupation, etc.

The study, based mostly in the Netherlands corroborates the evidence of infection rates and its link to pollution from Europe, the US, and China. It is in fact fundamentally very different from the Euro-centric studies, for most pollution in the Netherlands takes place not in big cities, but in the suburbs, where most livestock farming takes place.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-as-argentine-sailors-infected-with-virus-after-35-days-at-sea-313138" hreflang="en">Mystery as Argentine sailors infected with virus after 35 days at sea</a>

This cancels out the commonly held belief that high air pollution and cityscapes go hand-in-hand. According to scientists, this could help identify and contain cases in potential hotspots, where the pollution levels are the highest.

Making minor cases fatal

The basic rationale behind this is the fact that air pollution could make even minor cases fatal, for it inflames the lungs and adds on to respiratory woes, which may get complicated after long-term exposure to pollution coinciding with one contracting the deadly virus.

Air pollution also significantly adds to heart disease, putting them at more risk of death.

The research was undertaken by a group of scientists at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, and has been reviewed by independent scientists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-case-uk-winter-could-see-120000-covid-deaths-in-second-wave-313135" hreflang="en">'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave</a>

The team was able to find a “positive relationship” between air pollution and coronavirus cases.

A similar study earlier undertaken by Harvard University had claimed how an eight per cent increase in COVID-related deaths could be attributed to a single-unit increase in the fine particle pollution.

The researchers also took into account the “Netherlands carnival”, where people meet in the livestock farming regions. It is here that the number of coronavirus infections remain the highest, probably due to the high levels of ammonia emitted by the animals.

They also looked at factors like smoking, average income, and education level.

Could air pollution be contributing to a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections? This analysis claims there is “compelling” evidence. The study, which took into account over 20 factors ascertained how air pollution in one particular area causes more infections, and also more admissions and deaths in hospitals.

Could air pollution be contributing to a spike in the number of COVID-19 infections? This analysis claims there is “compelling” evidence. The study, which took into account over 20 factors ascertained how air pollution in one particular area causes more infections, and also more admissions and deaths in hospitals. Major spike! Any long-term exposure to polluted air can trigger over a 10 per cent spike in infections, and over 15 per cent increase in the number of COVID-related deaths. Also read: Surge in deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria amid coronavirus pandemic: Study Co-morbidities have a major role to play in the fatality of most coronavirus cases. The researchers took into account factors like age, obesity, household size, population density, occupation, etc. The study, based mostly in the Netherlands corroborates the evidence of infection rates and its link to pollution from Europe, the US, and China. It is in fact fundamentally very different from the Euro-centric studies, for most pollution in the Netherlands takes place not in big cities, but in the suburbs, where most livestock farming takes place. Also read: Mystery as Argentine sailors infected with virus after 35 days at sea This cancels out the commonly held belief that high air pollution and cityscapes go hand-in-hand. According to scientists, this could help identify and contain cases in potential hotspots, where the pollution levels are the highest. Making minor cases fatal The basic rationale behind this is the fact that air pollution could make even minor cases fatal, for it inflames the lungs and adds on to respiratory woes, which may get complicated after long-term exposure to pollution coinciding with one contracting the deadly virus. Air pollution also significantly adds to heart disease, putting them at more risk of death. The research was undertaken by a group of scientists at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, and has been reviewed by independent scientists. Also read: 'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave The team was able to find a “positive relationship” between air pollution and coronavirus cases. A similar study earlier undertaken by Harvard University had claimed how an eight per cent increase in COVID-related deaths could be attributed to a single-unit increase in the fine particle pollution. The researchers also took into account the “Netherlands carnival”, where people meet in the livestock farming regions. It is here that the number of coronavirus infections remain the highest, probably due to the high levels of ammonia emitted by the animals. They also looked at factors like smoking, average income, and education level.

Air pollution significantly contributes to rise in coronavirus infections and deaths: Study

Pluto, a dwarf planet which was formerly known as the ninth planet in our solar system may have a subsurface ocean owing to its initial warm temperatures, researches posited on Monday.

NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft took images of the dwarf planet’s surface in 2015, which led researchers to believe that the planet had a “hot start” 4.5 billion years ago, when Earth, along with our whole solar system was created.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/spacexs-envisioned-machinery-will-not-only-take-us-to-mars-but-reduce-travel-time-on-earth-tremendously-306615" hreflang="en">SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously!</a>

"When Pluto was forming, new material would have been coming in and impacting its surface. Each impact is like an explosion that would warm the nearby area," said Carver Bierson, University of California Santa Cruz planetary scientist and the lead author of the research published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

"If Pluto formed slowly, the surface would cool between each impact and generally stay very cold. If Pluto formed quickly, you have impact on top of impact and the surface doesn't have time to cool. We calculate that if Pluto formed in less than 30,000 years, the heat from these impacts could have been sufficient to lead to an early ocean," Bierson added.

<h6><img alt="The planet Pluto is pictured in a handout image made up of four images from New Horizons' Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) taken in July 2015 combined with color data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced color global view" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aee9560c-1bdf-4326-a9df-33ad0cb2548b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_8.jpg" /> 
The planet Pluto is pictured in a handout image made up of four images from New Horizons' Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) taken in July 2015 combined with color data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced color global view | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Pluto is situated in the region called the “Kuiper Belt”, and orbits the sun 40 times farther away than the Earth.

Additionally, the planet may have an icy outer shell spanning hundreds of kilometres. Scientists believe this layer protects an ocean of water which may be mixed with salts and ammonia. Pluto may also have a solid rocky core below.

If this is true, the cracks on Pluto’s surface would finally make sense. Water is bound to expand as it freezes, and this implies that Pluto’s oceans froze over time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/astronomers-detect-another-mysterious-recurring-radio-burst-in-space-304417" hreflang="en">Astronomers detect another mysterious, recurring radio burst in space</a>

Pluto is a very cold planet, with temperatures running as low as minus 230 degree Celsius (minus 480 degrees F).

Water, an important ingredient of sustaining life, may point to Pluto’s ability to be able to host living organisms.

"Water could have been interacting chemically with the rocky core beneath the ocean, giving you more chemical ingredients to work with," Bierson added. "Are those the right ingredients for life? We don't know. We need to learn more about how life forms, or how life could form, to find these answers."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pluto, a dwarf planet which was formerly known as the ninth planet in our solar system may have a subsurface ocean owing to its initial warm temperatures, researches posited on Monday.

Pluto, a dwarf planet which was formerly known as the ninth planet in our solar system may have a subsurface ocean owing to its initial warm temperatures, researches posited on Monday. NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft took images of the dwarf planet’s surface in 2015, which led researchers to believe that the planet had a “hot start” 4.5 billion years ago, when Earth, along with our whole solar system was created. Also read: SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously! "When Pluto was forming, new material would have been coming in and impacting its surface. Each impact is like an explosion that would warm the nearby area," said Carver Bierson, University of California Santa Cruz planetary scientist and the lead author of the research published in the journal Nature Geoscience. "If Pluto formed slowly, the surface would cool between each impact and generally stay very cold. If Pluto formed quickly, you have impact on top of impact and the surface doesn't have time to cool. We calculate that if Pluto formed in less than 30,000 years, the heat from these impacts could have been sufficient to lead to an early ocean," Bierson added. The planet Pluto is pictured in a handout image made up of four images from New Horizons' Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) taken in July 2015 combined with color data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced color global view | AFP Pluto is situated in the region called the “Kuiper Belt”, and orbits the sun 40 times farther away than the Earth. Additionally, the planet may have an icy outer shell spanning hundreds of kilometres. Scientists believe this layer protects an ocean of water which may be mixed with salts and ammonia. Pluto may also have a solid rocky core below. If this is true, the cracks on Pluto’s surface would finally make sense. Water is bound to expand as it freezes, and this implies that Pluto’s oceans froze over time. Also read: Astronomers detect another mysterious, recurring radio burst in space Pluto is a very cold planet, with temperatures running as low as minus 230 degree Celsius (minus 480 degrees F). Water, an important ingredient of sustaining life, may point to Pluto’s ability to be able to host living organisms. "Water could have been interacting chemically with the rocky core beneath the ocean, giving you more chemical ingredients to work with," Bierson added. "Are those the right ingredients for life? We don't know. We need to learn more about how life forms, or how life could form, to find these answers." (With inputs from Reuters)

Pluto may have been a warmer body when it was formed 4.5 billion years ago

United Nations' World Refugee Day on Saturday (June 20), will be the same as every day for Marwan Kuwaik, a 70-year-old Palestinian in Gaza, who will be focused on trying to eke out a living by selling snack food on the street. This year's event is aimed at reminding the world that everyone, including refugees, can contribute to society, the U.N. said on its website.

On World Refugee Day, Palestinian tries to scrape by in Gaza

After Twitter started labelling tweets that may be misleading, it drew mixed reactions from users and analysts.

Recently, the company had flagged US President Donald Trump’s tweet about protests in the country for glorifying violence.

Twitter responded to its critics and defended its action, saying it wants to promote conversations by limiting the “potential for likely harm”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/twitters-blue-bird-goes-black-to-show-solidarity-with-protestors-in-the-us-302400" hreflang="en">Twitter’s blue bird goes black to show solidarity with protestors in the US</a>

The company’s CEO laid out principles that reflect Twitter’s aspirations. He listed out five: Decrease potential for likely harm, decrease harmful bias &amp; incentives, decrease reliance on content removal, increase diverse perspectives and to increase public accountability.

The company further added that its focus is to provide “context, not fact-checking”.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/twitter-flags-donald-trumps-tweet-twitter-says-post-glorified-violence-301937/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ever since Twitter flagged off Trump’s tweet which claimed “when the looting starts, the shooting starts”, the president has been open about his disapproval of their actions, while claiming to soon introduce a bill to tackle the power of social media companies.

Last week, a tweet by Trump about mail voting was flagged as “potentially misleading”, which a hyperlink which leads to the company’s fact-checking page.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/white-house-doubles-down-dares-twitter-to-block-another-trumps-tweet-301891" hreflang="en">White House doubles down &amp; dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet</a>

The company also took similar action against a Chinese government’s official twitter account, after he posted misleading information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The “shooting” remark by Trump was flagged with a notice about the violations in his tweet.

Many critics believe this is a good step, but not enough, for the company should clearly flag false information as exactly that.

US president has a long history with social media sites, he had earlier accused companies of favouring only liberal voice and stifling the conservative sentiment, after which talks of an executive order that limits the power of social media platforms.

Twitter had also announced that they do not intend to address all misinformation, but will only flag those that have the chances of causing the most potential harm.

After Twitter started labelling tweets that may be misleading, it drew mixed reactions from users and analysts. Recently, the company had flagged US President Donald Trump’s tweet about protests in the country for glorifying violence.

After Twitter started labelling tweets that may be misleading, it drew mixed reactions from users and analysts. Recently, the company had flagged US President Donald Trump’s tweet about protests in the country for glorifying violence. Twitter responded to its critics and defended its action, saying it wants to promote conversations by limiting the “potential for likely harm”. Also read: Twitter’s blue bird goes black to show solidarity with protestors in the US The company’s CEO laid out principles that reflect Twitter’s aspirations. He listed out five: Decrease potential for likely harm, decrease harmful bias & incentives, decrease reliance on content removal, increase diverse perspectives and to increase public accountability. The company further added that its focus is to provide “context, not fact-checking”. Ever since Twitter flagged off Trump’s tweet which claimed “when the looting starts, the shooting starts”, the president has been open about his disapproval of their actions, while claiming to soon introduce a bill to tackle the power of social media companies. Last week, a tweet by Trump about mail voting was flagged as “potentially misleading”, which a hyperlink which leads to the company’s fact-checking page. Also read: White House doubles down & dares Twitter to block another Trump's tweet The company also took similar action against a Chinese government’s official twitter account, after he posted misleading information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The “shooting” remark by Trump was flagged with a notice about the violations in his tweet. Many critics believe this is a good step, but not enough, for the company should clearly flag false information as exactly that. US president has a long history with social media sites, he had earlier accused companies of favouring only liberal voice and stifling the conservative sentiment, after which talks of an executive order that limits the power of social media platforms. Twitter had also announced that they do not intend to address all misinformation, but will only flag those that have the chances of causing the most potential harm.

Twitter defends decision to label Trump's tweets, says it is to provide 'context, not fact-checking'

Two years ago, Zhou Xiaoxuan publicly accused one of China's most recognizable people of groping and forcibly kissing her, setting off a firestorm in a country that did not specify sexual harassment as a legal offence.

Last week Zhou and dozens of other women who started China's #MeToo movement won a small victory when the nation's parliament enacted legislation that for the first time defines actions that can constitute sexual harassment.

The reference in the new civil code, approved on Thursday by a session of the National People's Congress, is largely a symbolic step. While it holds schools, businesses and other organisations responsible for preventing and dealing with sexual harassment, it does not lay out guidelines for enforcement.

"The civil code is a big step, but much more will need to be fleshed out," said Darius Longarino, a senior fellow at the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School. "After all, U.S. sexual-harassment law is still developing after decades and grappling with its failures, as laid bare by #MeToo."&nbsp;

Still, some lawyers and activists say the civil code offers for the first time a nationally recognised enumeration of sexual harassment as a legal offence.

Article 1,010 of the new code says a person may be held liable "for speech, words, images or bodily actions that have been used to carry out sexual harassment against a person's wishes."&nbsp;

The development could pave the way for further changes to allow sexual-harassment victims to seek redress, six lawyers and activists interviewed by Reuters said.

The parliament's Legislative Affairs Commission and China's State Council did not respond to faxed requests for comment about the decision to define sexual harassment in the civil code.

Victims come forward

China's #MeToo movement took off in 2018 when a college student in Beijing publicly accused her professor of sexual harassment. It spread to NGOs, media and other industries.

Zhou's accusation against Zhu Jun, a well-known TV personality, was one of the most prominent. In a series of social media posts, she described a 2014 incident when she was an intern working for him at state broadcaster CCTV.

She says he tried to reach into her dress and drag her onto himself, and then forcibly kissed her. Zhou's accusation quickly went viral.&nbsp;

Zhu denies the allegations and is countering Zhou. He could not be reached, and his lawyer declined to comment on the case or the new legislation.

Some activists and lawyers are hopeful that the movement is starting to lead to real change, starting with the mention in the civil code.&nbsp;

"MeToo's spread has made a huge push on this matter of law," said Zhou, who says much more needs to be done to protect the rights of sexual-violence victims. "But this may be a process, and you can't solve it in one leap."&nbsp;

More than a year and a half later, there have been no hearings in the case brought by Zhou in September 2018. Most Chinese #MeToo cases remain unresolved, activists say.&nbsp;

Zhou filed hers under the category "personality rights" - a broad term in Chinese law that includes rights applying to one's body and health - because sexual harassment was not recognised as a legal cause of action.

"If you wanted to go bring a court case, then you had to bring a labour dispute - it was very difficult," said a woman who brought her own #MeToo accusation against a prominent charity founder in 2018 and who works under the name Huahua for privacy and safety. She ultimately chose not to take her accusation to court.

Sexual harassment remains sensitive in China. The movement, despite bursts of grassroots activity, has faced government pressure and censorship, the activists said.

&nbsp;he State Council did not respond requests for comment about the allegations of pressure and censorship.

Two years ago, Zhou Xiaoxuan publicly accused one of China's most recognizable people of groping and forcibly kissing her, setting off a firestorm in a country that did not specify sexual harassment as a legal offence.

Two years ago, Zhou Xiaoxuan publicly accused one of China's most recognizable people of groping and forcibly kissing her, setting off a firestorm in a country that did not specify sexual harassment as a legal offence. Last week Zhou and dozens of other women who started China's #MeToo movement won a small victory when the nation's parliament enacted legislation that for the first time defines actions that can constitute sexual harassment. The reference in the new civil code, approved on Thursday by a session of the National People's Congress, is largely a symbolic step. While it holds schools, businesses and other organisations responsible for preventing and dealing with sexual harassment, it does not lay out guidelines for enforcement. "The civil code is a big step, but much more will need to be fleshed out," said Darius Longarino, a senior fellow at the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School. "After all, U.S. sexual-harassment law is still developing after decades and grappling with its failures, as laid bare by #MeToo." Still, some lawyers and activists say the civil code offers for the first time a nationally recognised enumeration of sexual harassment as a legal offence. Article 1,010 of the new code says a person may be held liable "for speech, words, images or bodily actions that have been used to carry out sexual harassment against a person's wishes." The development could pave the way for further changes to allow sexual-harassment victims to seek redress, six lawyers and activists interviewed by Reuters said. The parliament's Legislative Affairs Commission and China's State Council did not respond to faxed requests for comment about the decision to define sexual harassment in the civil code. Victims come forward China's #MeToo movement took off in 2018 when a college student in Beijing publicly accused her professor of sexual harassment. It spread to NGOs, media and other industries. Zhou's accusation against Zhu Jun, a well-known TV personality, was one of the most prominent. In a series of social media posts, she described a 2014 incident when she was an intern working for him at state broadcaster CCTV. She says he tried to reach into her dress and drag her onto himself, and then forcibly kissed her. Zhou's accusation quickly went viral. Zhu denies the allegations and is countering Zhou. He could not be reached, and his lawyer declined to comment on the case or the new legislation. Some activists and lawyers are hopeful that the movement is starting to lead to real change, starting with the mention in the civil code. "MeToo's spread has made a huge push on this matter of law," said Zhou, who says much more needs to be done to protect the rights of sexual-violence victims. "But this may be a process, and you can't solve it in one leap." More than a year and a half later, there have been no hearings in the case brought by Zhou in September 2018. Most Chinese #MeToo cases remain unresolved, activists say. Zhou filed hers under the category "personality rights" - a broad term in Chinese law that includes rights applying to one's body and health - because sexual harassment was not recognised as a legal cause of action. "If you wanted to go bring a court case, then you had to bring a labour dispute - it was very difficult," said a woman who brought her own #MeToo accusation against a prominent charity founder in 2018 and who works under the name Huahua for privacy and safety. She ultimately chose not to take her accusation to court. Sexual harassment remains sensitive in China. The movement, despite bursts of grassroots activity, has faced government pressure and censorship, the activists said. he State Council did not respond requests for comment about the allegations of pressure and censorship.

In nod to #MeToo, China codifies sexual harassment by law

On Monday, the rating agency&nbsp;Moody's downgraded India's ratings from Baa2 to Baa3, citing that the coronavirus pandemic wasn't the primary factor playing into consideration.

The agency said that the period of slower growth could trigger problems for the policymaking institutions, with financial sector susceptible to increased debt and pressure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/business-economy/india-may-see-0-gdp-growth-this-fiscal-year-says-moodys-report-297398" hreflang="en">India may see 0% GDP growth this fiscal year, says Moody's report</a>

"Measures to improve India's fiscal strength, which were at the heart of the government's policy framework a few years ago, have underwhelmed," the ratings agency claimed&nbsp;in a statement.

Even though coronavirus may be one of the factors, the agency asserted that the pandemic has magnified preexisting issues in the country's credit profile, news agency Reuters reported.

The agency further maintained its outlook on the country as "negative".

<h6><img alt="ii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19660b9b-3599-46a2-bec0-8bc0e2cb3a05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_1.jpg" /> 
Pedestrians walk past a mural in Mumbai | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

On May 8, analysts at Moody's claimed that the pandemic will impact the rate of growth, with the country set to witness 0 per cent growth in the ongoing fiscal year.

The ratings agency claimed it does not expect&nbsp;India to see any&nbsp;growth in financial year 2021.

The coronavirus&nbsp;spread in the country has&nbsp;"significantly reduced the prospects of a durable fiscal consolidation," Moody's&nbsp;said in a report.

Moody's Investors Service in November 2019 had&nbsp;cut India's ratings outlook to "negative" from "stable", citing increasing risks, and while claiming&nbsp;that growth in Asia's third-largest economy will remain lower than in the past.

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

On Monday, the rating agency Moody's downgraded India's ratings from Baa2 to Baa3, citing that the coronavirus pandemic wasn't the primary factor playing into consideration.

On Monday, the rating agency Moody's downgraded India's ratings from Baa2 to Baa3, citing that the coronavirus pandemic wasn't the primary factor playing into consideration. The agency said that the period of slower growth could trigger problems for the policymaking institutions, with financial sector susceptible to increased debt and pressure. Also read: India may see 0% GDP growth this fiscal year, says Moody's report "Measures to improve India's fiscal strength, which were at the heart of the government's policy framework a few years ago, have underwhelmed," the ratings agency claimed in a statement. Even though coronavirus may be one of the factors, the agency asserted that the pandemic has magnified preexisting issues in the country's credit profile, news agency Reuters reported. The agency further maintained its outlook on the country as "negative". Pedestrians walk past a mural in Mumbai | AFP On May 8, analysts at Moody's claimed that the pandemic will impact the rate of growth, with the country set to witness 0 per cent growth in the ongoing fiscal year. The ratings agency claimed it does not expect India to see any growth in financial year 2021. The coronavirus spread in the country has "significantly reduced the prospects of a durable fiscal consolidation," Moody's said in a report. Moody's Investors Service in November 2019 had cut India's ratings outlook to "negative" from "stable", citing increasing risks, and while claiming that growth in Asia's third-largest economy will remain lower than in the past. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Moody's downgrades India's ratings, warns of stress in financial sector

Implementing the 750 Billion Euro Coronavirus recovery plan won't be easy for European Union due to the disagreements within 27 members. Watch this video to get more on this.

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WION Dispatch: EU’s Coronavirus Recovery Plan faces hurdles amidst implementation

The concept and reification of culture is like any complex concepts a contested one. But, at the risk of oversimplification, culture may be defined as the institutionalization of quotidian practices of a given people. Viewed thus, the world is defined and even enriched by an assortment of cultures. There is, broadly speaking, ‘western culture’. ‘eastern culture’, ‘African culture, ‘Sinic culture’ and so on. Each of these broad categories subsumes subcultures which might carry an ingress of the culture from which they emanate but are also defined by significant differences. At the risk of sounding tautological, the variety of cultures enrich the world. But, culture when narrowly defined and set against the ‘other’ can also be dangerous.

While the abstractions of culture and values thereof are reified by practice(s), in the main, it is symbolic. There is also something called the ‘consumer culture’ or the culture of consumerism. Roughly, it means when both practices of a given culture and its symbols are mediated by markets. In this schema, it is held, among other things that supply creates its own demand and leads to economic growth (another fetish of the modern world) which is distinct from economic development.

When culture is mediated by markets- both in ‘real’ terms and symbolically- it leads to what an eminent American political scientist, Benjamin Barber, presciently called Mc World- a world defined by homogenizing forces of markets, consumerism and technology or globalism. In the schemata of Barber, McWorld is in a tendentious and conflictual relationship with ‘Jihad’- defined emblematically as a sort of reaction to McWorld. While it was the Thomas Friedmans of the world- unabashed proponents of markets or globalism- that received acclaim and fame, in both prospect and retrospect it was voices like that of Barber that have been astute and prescient.

Freidman, if memory serves me well, coined the ‘Golden Arches Theory of Peace’- a theory I fell victim to then. This theory held, a cheap rehash and a spin on the democratic peace theory, held that ‘ no two countries that had McDonald’s outlets had gone to war. Friedman, who thrives off provocation meant and implied that markets had a logic of their own and this logic through contracts, property rights, and need for law thereof created order of sorts and thereby raised the cost of conflict. Or, in other words, capitalism and its handmaiden, globalism, was the antidote to conflict.

How trite, corny and not even banal this theory was and is has been proven by political developments of the past few years. The gale of identity politics and populism sweeping the Western world stands is testimony to the failure of McWorld which created inequality and generated forces that threatened the ideational superstructure of Western societies. A Madsen from Denmark would rather remain, Madsen of Denmark, rather than be swamped by the forces of McWorld. Similarly, Sally, the woman from the Midwest of the United States, would prefer to remain ‘red’ than partake of the ‘blue’ culture of McWorld. Madsen and Sally clamoured for and responded to the siren song of populism and engaged in their tribal struggle for identity. This dynamic played in various permutations and combinations across the world.

What then is the remedy if an overemphasis on both markets and culture is problematic?

The answer lies in balance and equipoise. Culture, for instance, is culture- something that gives meaning to people. Once assaulted, the reaction, usually toxic, can take many forms, including, unfortunately, violent, rabid ones. So, culture should let be. That is, it must not be mediated through markets. What about McWorld? Should it be jettisoned? In its ‘pure’ form, McWorld is to employ Freidman’s metaphor, like the dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus Rex, who, with one swish of his tail, can decimate and maraud. The problem with this trampling is that it not only destroys stuff of value but engenders resentments and problems that after gestation can assume ugly and violent forms.

The problem here is that while pristine culture has intrinsic appeal, but culture cannot thrive on an empty stomach, so to speak. It can perhaps thrive under conditions of economic development which, to repeat is not the same as economic growth. Is McWorld then expendable? It is in its ‘pure’ form but it is not in its balanced form. This means that McWorld’s raison d’etre or its impulse, capitalism must be moderated, embedded, regulated and be open to scrutiny. Capitalism, which has chalked many successes and has also, been a force for some good, unrestrained can unmoor and unhinge people, societies and cultures and defeat the very purpose of what it purports to do in the quest for markets and profits: progress. Balance and sobriety are then key, operative words and concepts here. Employed in a prudent measure, the world and its people can then enjoy both culture and a Mcburger, Mc Aloo Tikki or whatever the local preference may be. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The concept and reification of culture is like any complex concepts a contested one. But, at the risk of oversimplification, culture may be defined as the institutionalization of quotidian practices of a given people.

The concept and reification of culture is like any complex concepts a contested one. But, at the risk of oversimplification, culture may be defined as the institutionalization of quotidian practices of a given people. Viewed thus, the world is defined and even enriched by an assortment of cultures. There is, broadly speaking, ‘western culture’. ‘eastern culture’, ‘African culture, ‘Sinic culture’ and so on. Each of these broad categories subsumes subcultures which might carry an ingress of the culture from which they emanate but are also defined by significant differences. At the risk of sounding tautological, the variety of cultures enrich the world. But, culture when narrowly defined and set against the ‘other’ can also be dangerous. While the abstractions of culture and values thereof are reified by practice(s), in the main, it is symbolic. There is also something called the ‘consumer culture’ or the culture of consumerism. Roughly, it means when both practices of a given culture and its symbols are mediated by markets. In this schema, it is held, among other things that supply creates its own demand and leads to economic growth (another fetish of the modern world) which is distinct from economic development. When culture is mediated by markets- both in ‘real’ terms and symbolically- it leads to what an eminent American political scientist, Benjamin Barber, presciently called Mc World- a world defined by homogenizing forces of markets, consumerism and technology or globalism. In the schemata of Barber, McWorld is in a tendentious and conflictual relationship with ‘Jihad’- defined emblematically as a sort of reaction to McWorld. While it was the Thomas Friedmans of the world- unabashed proponents of markets or globalism- that received acclaim and fame, in both prospect and retrospect it was voices like that of Barber that have been astute and prescient. Freidman, if memory serves me well, coined the ‘Golden Arches Theory of Peace’- a theory I fell victim to then. This theory held, a cheap rehash and a spin on the democratic peace theory, held that ‘ no two countries that had McDonald’s outlets had gone to war. Friedman, who thrives off provocation meant and implied that markets had a logic of their own and this logic through contracts, property rights, and need for law thereof created order of sorts and thereby raised the cost of conflict. Or, in other words, capitalism and its handmaiden, globalism, was the antidote to conflict. How trite, corny and not even banal this theory was and is has been proven by political developments of the past few years. The gale of identity politics and populism sweeping the Western world stands is testimony to the failure of McWorld which created inequality and generated forces that threatened the ideational superstructure of Western societies. A Madsen from Denmark would rather remain, Madsen of Denmark, rather than be swamped by the forces of McWorld. Similarly, Sally, the woman from the Midwest of the United States, would prefer to remain ‘red’ than partake of the ‘blue’ culture of McWorld. Madsen and Sally clamoured for and responded to the siren song of populism and engaged in their tribal struggle for identity. This dynamic played in various permutations and combinations across the world. What then is the remedy if an overemphasis on both markets and culture is problematic? The answer lies in balance and equipoise. Culture, for instance, is culture- something that gives meaning to people. Once assaulted, the reaction, usually toxic, can take many forms, including, unfortunately, violent, rabid ones. So, culture should let be. That is, it must not be mediated through markets. What about McWorld? Should it be jettisoned? In its ‘pure’ form, McWorld is to employ Freidman’s metaphor, like the dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus Rex, who, with one swish of his tail, can decimate and maraud. The problem with this trampling is that it not only destroys stuff of value but engenders resentments and problems that after gestation can assume ugly and violent forms. The problem here is that while pristine culture has intrinsic appeal, but culture cannot thrive on an empty stomach, so to speak. It can perhaps thrive under conditions of economic development which, to repeat is not the same as economic growth. Is McWorld then expendable? It is in its ‘pure’ form but it is not in its balanced form. This means that McWorld’s raison d’etre or its impulse, capitalism must be moderated, embedded, regulated and be open to scrutiny. Capitalism, which has chalked many successes and has also, been a force for some good, unrestrained can unmoor and unhinge people, societies and cultures and defeat the very purpose of what it purports to do in the quest for markets and profits: progress. Balance and sobriety are then key, operative words and concepts here. Employed in a prudent measure, the world and its people can then enjoy both culture and a Mcburger, Mc Aloo Tikki or whatever the local preference may be. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Political fate of the world hangs in balance

COVID-19 transforms shopping experience in Thailand as malls reopen after lockdown. Watch this video to get more details.

Your Story: COVID-19 transforms shopping experience in Thailand as malls reopen after lockdown

Thousand of pets separated from families due to COVID-19 as it's very expensive to transport pets across border.

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